Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
