Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. 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 precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
