Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
