Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.