Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to become a better side because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent 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 lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
