Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
