Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
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 make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
