Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
