Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas 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 player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
