Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When you talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars 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 duty.
