Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason 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 other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
