Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
