Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
