Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the final stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when all the players return, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms 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 training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
