Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
