Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
