Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the latter minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
