Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
