Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the closing stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
