Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"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 offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
