Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
