Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the system all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed 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 insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
