Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
