Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
