Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a better team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
