Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
