Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the final phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
