Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects 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 true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
