Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the closing phase as his team held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
