Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable 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 international competition.
