Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
