Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the final phase as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
