Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when all the players return, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects 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."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
