Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when all the players are back, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," 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 Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
