Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
