Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a better team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable 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 be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"He 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 constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured 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.
