Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.