Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced 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 reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. 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. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
