Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When media criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"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 is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. 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. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
