Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We will become a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
