Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural 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 captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
