Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
