Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss changing 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 a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players 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 continental competition.
