Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the latter phase as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
