Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
