Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We will become a better side because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key 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 unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
