Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the final stages as his team held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When you discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to become a better side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
