Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed 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 Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
