Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to play with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players 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.
