Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the final phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When media talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. 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 heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
