Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with different formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a more complete squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
