Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us become a better team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, 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 providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"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' return - and that of other unavailable players 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 duty.
