Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players 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 is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"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 constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
