Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "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's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
