Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
