Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to become a better side because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
