Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
