Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
