Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
