Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
