Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural 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 always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
