Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
