Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a different time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
