Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a different time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - 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 lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
