Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
