Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players 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.
