Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices 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 evolve.
"We will grow into a better side because when all the players are back, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
