Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the players are back, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
