Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
