Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the latter phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Persist
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to 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 reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return 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, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
