Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will become a more complete squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star 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 player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
