Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
