Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
