Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
