Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
