Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
