Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the final stages as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring 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 natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
