Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players 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 duty.
