Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the final stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a different moment. We lack a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
