Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
