Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We will become a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
