Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When media criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a better squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why 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 recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
