Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
