Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
