Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view 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 anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason 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 goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
