Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch 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 absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, 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 wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
