Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the closing stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
