Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy 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 shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a better side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.