Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will become a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal 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 manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He 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 always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
