Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not 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 skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
