Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
