Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise 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 a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
