Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will become a more complete team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
