Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured 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.
