Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
