Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a separate time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," 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
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, 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 is sure his leader to carry on providing 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 always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
