Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of 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."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
