Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
