Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, 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 captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars 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.
