Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We will develop into a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
