Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
