Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
