Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not 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.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
