Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails 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 be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
