Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
