Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when all the players return, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
