Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When you discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a better squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"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 offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
