Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars 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 continental duty.
