Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a different moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the players return, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He 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 constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many 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 leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
