Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
