Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
