Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
