Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When the press discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off 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 match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural 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 communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
