Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit 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 urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. 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 desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
