Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When you talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
