Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "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 central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a better side because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, 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 expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable 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 continental duty.
