Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
