Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
