Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"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 write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
