Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars 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 continental competition.
