Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
