Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
