Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven 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 half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable 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 international competition.
