Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow 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, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted 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 providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things 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 true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
