Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable 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 match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
