Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
