Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously said that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time 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 commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players 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 continental competition.
