Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
