Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the final stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize 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 end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a better squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
