Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the final stages as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms 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 lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
