Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure 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 speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
