Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his team held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key 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, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
