Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. 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."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
