Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the final phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
