Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many 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 Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
