Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the closing phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When you talk about altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes 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 Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
