Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not 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 captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
