Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
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 monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
