Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team 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 knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
