Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of 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 Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
