Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the latter phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
