Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the closing phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow 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 be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
