Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
