Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Continue
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
