Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to become a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, 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 position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - 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 continental duty.
