Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the final stages as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When media criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' 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 continental competition.
