Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced 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 reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars 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 international duty.
