Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch 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 is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
