Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
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 allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. 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 leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
