Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
