Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the players are available, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
