Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will become a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "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's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
