Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
