Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable 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 international competition.
