Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"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 offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
