Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When you talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
