Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will become a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
