Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a different time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
