Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will become a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock 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 match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
