Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to become a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
