Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad 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 born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
