Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable 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 competition.
