Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to 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 urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
