Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
