Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two wins 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, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch 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 natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
