Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the final phase as his side held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
