Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad 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 leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
