Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
