Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will grow into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
