Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. 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 positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, 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 job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
