Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects 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 Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
