Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a separate time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will become a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players 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 captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
