Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things 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 Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable 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 international competition.
