Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else 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 squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly 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. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
