Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury 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 match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural 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 communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.