Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a separate time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a more complete squad because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, 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 carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
