Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects 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."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
