Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when all the players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
