Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
