Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a more complete team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. 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 job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
