Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot 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 - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
