Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
