Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a different moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
