Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the final stages as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a better squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable 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 continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
