Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a better team because when all the players are back, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
