Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a different time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players 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 continental duty.
