Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative formations has always been 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 bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
