Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
