Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will think 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 system, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
