Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a different time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects 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 Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.