Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Persist
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
