Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When you talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to become a better side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, 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 anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
