Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the final phase as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
