Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, 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 captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
