Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. 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. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - 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 welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.