Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal 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 pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
