Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his team held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. 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 true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
