Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us become a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
