Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the final stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
