Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
