Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit 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 following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable 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.
