Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
