Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
