Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to external pressure 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 use an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming 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.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
