Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We will become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
