Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When media talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
