Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an standard back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
