Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
