Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view 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 leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
