Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars 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 competition.
