Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a different moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
