Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with different setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock 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 match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
