Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
