Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a different moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, 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 talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow 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 competition.
