Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the final minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. 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. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
