Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a separate time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We will become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just 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 injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars 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 forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "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 negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. 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 true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
