Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
