Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars 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 continental competition.
