Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously said that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to play with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot 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 performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"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 Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
