Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit 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 pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
