Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When media criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
