Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder 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 match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
