Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
