Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
