Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We will grow into a better team because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal 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 understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, 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 desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
