Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an standard back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock 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 match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
