Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We will grow into a better team because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
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 be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
