Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a different moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. 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. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
