Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
