Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will become a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
