Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed 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 guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
