Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We will become a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal 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 pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
