Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit 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 reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has 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 Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
