Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
