Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
