Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize different setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
