Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his team held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, 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 wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.