Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the closing phase as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, 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 succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
