Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the final stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to become a better side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has 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 Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players 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.
