Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
