Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
