Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When media discuss changing the formation constantly, 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 coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
