Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the final minutes as his side held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase 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 a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
