Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the final phase as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless 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.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot 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 captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
