Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
