Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Today is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you talk about altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
