Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When media criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
