Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the final stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
