Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, 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 is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot 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 skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
