Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off 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, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
