Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
