Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
