Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When media talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
