Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We will develop into a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno 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' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"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 always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
