Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We will develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
