Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"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 can't change because the players will understand 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 become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
