Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
