Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
