Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise 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 chose to field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the final phase as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars 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 international duty.
