Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
