Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
