Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the closing phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
