Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When you discuss changing the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
