Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury 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 boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason 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 goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
