Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable 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 continental duty.
