Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably said that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
