Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - 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 see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
