Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the system constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will become a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, 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 expects his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
