Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize different setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
