Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
