Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars 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 international duty.
