Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. 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 born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline 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 - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
