Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
