Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a different time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
