Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his team held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured 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 is sure his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
