Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the final stages as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We will become a more complete side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, 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 captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
