Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
