Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When media discuss changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not 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.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
