Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
