Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
