Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
