Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms 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 things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
