Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view 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 expects his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
