Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off 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 clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - 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 practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.