Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when all the players return, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
