Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
