Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when all the players are back, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
