Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When you discuss changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to 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 mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - 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 welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
