Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
