Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
