Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
