Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
