Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
