Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will become a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
