Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed 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 input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
