Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the closing stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you talk about changing the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view 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 is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
