Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
