Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars 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 competition.
