Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When media talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
