Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
