Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - 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 continental duty.
