Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
