Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe 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 born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
