Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable 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 pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
