Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When media discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off 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, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
