Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When media criticize changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will develop into a better side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. 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. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
