Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When media criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
