Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a different moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players 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 duty.