Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, 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 continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects 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 leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
