Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably said that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
