Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a different moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
