Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
