Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must 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 talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
