Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off 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 clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable 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 international competition.
