Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"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 beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players 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 input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many 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 leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
