Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
