Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his team held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the players return, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. 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 born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
