Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We will develop into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
