Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to 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 pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
