Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
