Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a better side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
