Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
