Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable 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 be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
