Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
