Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
