Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a separate time. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
