Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of 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 Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
