Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
