Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch 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 is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
