Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable 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 offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
