Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will become a more complete squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"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 vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
