Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a better team because when all the players return, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a 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 is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
