Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are 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 many aspects that go unnoticed.
"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 Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars 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 international competition.
