Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the final phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of 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 true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
