Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
