Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a different time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a better side because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
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.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
