Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view 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 is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
