Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of 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 Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
