Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit 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 urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"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 heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.