Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a different moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
