Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a separate time. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. 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 multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's 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 see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
