Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
