Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media noise 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 wing-backs and instead deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
