Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the latter stages as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
