Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will become a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
