Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will become a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of 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 Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
