Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
