Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, 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 wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
