Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
