Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, 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 continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other 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 continental duty.
