Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his team held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When you talk about changing the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails 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, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
