Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the final minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will become a better side because when all the players are back, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players 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 competition.
