Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the final phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a stronger squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "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 captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. 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."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
