Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will become a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
