Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
