Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to play with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
