Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured 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 duty.
