Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to become a better squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.
"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 constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
