Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When media criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
