Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things 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 many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
