Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When media talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
