Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the final phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
