Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing 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.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
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 allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
