Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a separate time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
