Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
