Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press discuss altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
