Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
