Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the final stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will become a better squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
