Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"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 said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," 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 Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still 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 captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
