Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the system constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior 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 injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
