Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
