Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
