Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the closing stages as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a different moment. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When media talk about altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a stronger squad because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
