Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the closing phase as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
