Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the final phase as his team held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, 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 anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
