Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
