Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen 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 leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad 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 born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
