Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "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 back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
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 bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
