Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a different time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
