Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
