Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When you discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
