Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
