Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason 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 constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
