Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an standard back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
