Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
