Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a better squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder 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 one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
