Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We will become a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
