Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury 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 clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
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 unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
