Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the final phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many 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 leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
