Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a different moment. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
