Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's 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 see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
