Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the final stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view 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 anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
