Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, 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 input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes 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. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players 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 international competition.
