Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper 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 make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
