Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a stronger squad because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
