Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the final minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously said that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured 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 international competition.
