Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When media talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
