Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed 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 carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
