Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "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 is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
