Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder 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 a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
