Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while 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 anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes 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 born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
