Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. 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 demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit 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 pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars 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.
