Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
