Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker 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 miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
