Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
