Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a better team because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, 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 leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - 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 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 Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
