Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you talk about changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a stronger squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
