Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
