Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the final phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When media criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, 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 is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
