Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things 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 Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
