Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a different moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder 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 miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
