Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable 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 anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural 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 communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
