Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury 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 boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
