Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
