Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
