Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow 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 duty.
