Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will develop into a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
