Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to become a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players 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 anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot 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 negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
