Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a better team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed 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 Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
