Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
