Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When you talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
