Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final phase as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
