Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many 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."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
