Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the latter stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
