Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
