Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the closing phase as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When media criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit 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 urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
