Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
