Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups 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 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 skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
