Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the final minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
