Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"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 Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
