Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the final stages as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable 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 manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
