Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. 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 goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other 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 duty.
