Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
