Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
