Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable 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 anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"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 many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
