Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
