Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When you talk about altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
