Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when all the players are back, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. 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. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
