Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many 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."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars 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 continental duty.
