Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the closing stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
