Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
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 competition.
