Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a different moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
