Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the closing stages as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
