Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the final phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "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.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
