Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury 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 clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
