Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
