Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
