Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Today is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
