Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became 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 campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things 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."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
