Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when all the players are back, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes 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. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
