Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
