Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When media criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
