Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the final phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things 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."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
