Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
