Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a stronger team because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper 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 make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
