Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a better side because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
