Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
