Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date 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 see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
