Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
