Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover 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 reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads 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 job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
