Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
