Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even 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 desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
