Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury 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 match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of 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 true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
