Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
