Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with different formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
