Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously said that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
