Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
