Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
