Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
