Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable 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 leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
