Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the closing stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When you discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
