Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the final stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes 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 quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
