Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the final phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you talk about altering the system constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy 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 speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
