Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
