Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. 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. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
