Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
