Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the closing stages as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When media discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch 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 anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
