Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
