Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
