Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We will become a better side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "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 skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"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 Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
