Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Today is a separate time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"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 rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
