Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before 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 senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"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 Key Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
