Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable 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 expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
