Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to 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 reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. 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 true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
