Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder 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 be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
