Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured 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 continental duty.
