Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the final phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "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 at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
