Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
