Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the closing phase as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off 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 boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
