Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the closing minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a stronger squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
