Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
