Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. 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 job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
