Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
