Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When media talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
