Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to play with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
