Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit 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 understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects 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."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
