Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the latter phase as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Now is a different time. We lack a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media criticize changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a better side because when all the players return, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players 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.
