Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When you talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - 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 see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
