Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Today is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off 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 match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
