Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy 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 always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars 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 competition.
