Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.