Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a better side because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
