Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars 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 is sure his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch 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. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.