Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, 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 captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
