Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize altering the system constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
