Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press discuss altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
