Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a better side because when all the players return, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
