Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will become a stronger side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal 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 boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"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 always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
