Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When you talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
