Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will become a better side because when all the players are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
