Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said 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 Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural 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 sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
