Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
